The NBA can cause extreme stress for various reasons, making it necessary for players to occasionally use humor to help create a more positive locker room environment.
Los Angeles Lakers standout Luka Doncic did just that while speaking to the media on Monday, jokingly revealing his least favorite teammate.
“He’s (Austin Reaves) my least favorite,” Doncic said with a smile as reporters erupted in laughter. “He’s a big kid, very childish.”
Doncic and Reaves will shoulder a bulk of the Lakers’ offensive responsibilities in LeBron James’ absence (he’ll miss several games due to Sciatica).
The two 20+ points per game scorers haven’t spent a lengthy time alongside one another, as Doncic, who was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers last February, only appeared in 28 regular-season games and four postseason outings with Los Angeles last season.
However, as both players become more comfortable sharing the floor and continue to learn about each other’s tendencies, they shouldn’t experience any issues co-existing moving forward.
Doncic hopes to prove that the Lakers made the right decision anointing him the face of their franchise, while Reaves is aiming to play his way into a massive contract extension next summer.
Expect Doncic and Reaves to play their respective roles to the best of their ability and help the Lakers remain atop the Western Conference this year.
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